Name: Roger John Stewart Chainey
Rank: Corporal
Regiment: 7th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment
Parents: Mr Henry & Mrs Ellen Chainey
Address: Hastings
Additional Information: Roger Chainey died aged 19 on 19th August 1940. The inscription on the grave marker reads: “Time can never heal so great a sorrow”.
The Sussex History forum has the following information copied from the Hastings and St Leonards Observer from Saturday 31st August 1940:
“Buried in Heroes’ Corner. CORPORAL ROGER CHAINEY. The death of Corporal Roger John Stewart Chainey occurred on Monday last week, at a base hospital, following wounds received while he was on active service in France. He was a son of Mr. H. Chainey, 30, North-terrace, Hastings, and although only 19 years of age, he was well known and respected by many local people. During his boyhood days he was a member of the Boys’ Life Brigade attached to the Halton Baptist Mission, and later joined the Round Table Boys’ Club at Halton. When only 15 years of age Corporal Chainey Joined the local Territorial unit of the Sussex Regiment, and was called for service at the outbreak of war, later being transferred to another battalion of the same regiment, with whom he served overseas. He was a keen bandsman and was placed in charge of the drums of his last battalion. He was also a member of the Cinque Ports Ancient Order of Foresters
The funeral took place at the Borough Cemetery on Monday, the interment being in the Heroes’ Corner, and the coffin was draped with the Union Jack. The coffin was carried by four soldier colleagues, who saluted their departed comrade at the graveside. The service was conducted by the Rev P. H. Crunden (minister of Welllngton-Square Baptist Church), who spoke highly of Corporal Chainey’s association with the Boys’ Life Brigade and the Round Table Boys’ Club, and the splendid sacrifice he had made for his country’s cause.”
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